Natalia Mikhailovna Styrikovich. Conversation One
In the first conversation, chemist Natalia Styrikovich talks about the personal life of physicist Lev Landau. Her father, Academician Mikhail Styrikovich, had a close friendship with Lev Landau that lasted for decades, beginning in 1927, so young Natasha often saw "Uncle Daf." Landau visited the Styrikovichs two or three times a week; their home was one of the few places in Moscow where Landau and his mistresses were received. Natalia Mikhailovna talks extensively about Lev Landau's marriage to Kora Landau-Drobantseva, describing their family relationships and their "non-aggression pact in marital life." A significant portion of the conversation consists of recollections of the events following Lev Landau's car accident. Natalia Mikhailovna recounts the efforts of Evgeny Lifshitz and the "physicists' headquarters" to rescue Landau. At the end of the recording, she shares her childhood impressions of "Uncle Dafa" and recalls the unexpected arrival of her father and Landau at the dacha on the day of Stalin's death.
1:13 The acquaintance and friendship of her father, Academician M.A. Styrikovich, with L.D. Landau.
5:31 Landau's personal life. "The Non-Aggression Pact."
10:43 Books and films about Landau's life.
16:04 Landau's views on women and marriage.
21:14 About Landau's lovers.
30:41 Landau's attitude toward money.
36:03 Kora Landau-Drobantseva's attitude toward E.M. Lifshitz.
40:30 The accident and Landau's first days in the hospital.
44:15 Lifshitz and the physicists' assistance in saving Landau.
47:21 Kora Landau's behavior after the accident.
57:09 Landau's intellect after the accident.
1:00:19 Landau's arrest in 1938, P.L. Kapitsa's assistance in freeing him.
1:08:13 Father's meetings with Landau after the accident.
1:13:06 Childhood impressions of Landau.
1:15:34 Father and Landau on the day of Stalin's death.
1:24:30 Kora Landau visiting the Styrikovichs.
1:27:36 Landau's classifications.
1:32:10 Kora is suspected of snitching.
1:39:25 Showing photographs and telegrams.
1:41:10 Parents on vacation with Landau.
1:48:09 Landau receives the Nobel Prize in Physics.
For more details, see https://oralhistory.ru/talks/orh-2544